Kuwait Project Visa Transfer

A project visa allows non-resident workers to take up employment in Kuwait for the projects or contracts. At that point, Being able to transfer this visa is crucial for both employees and companies.

Various companies are bringing in skilled labor from abroad for set periods. For instance, if you get the visa from a company, you can be an Employer. Once you start work, you can change jobs or projects while staying in Kuwait legally later.

With regulations changing over time, it’s Better to update the latest procedures for project visa transfers. However, if you are thinking about project visa transfer, you are in the right zone.

In this magazine, I am going to cover Kuwait project visa transfer Latest news, Project Transfer Eligibility, Guide: Transfer Project Visa, Required Documents, Transfer Application Process (Fees) And FAQs. Set your belt & dive into it.

Kuwait Project Visa Transfer: Latest Updates (2024)

In recent years, Kuwait has changed the way of transferring a project visa system. And The government system makes new rules to make the process simpler and allow an easier job market.

In 2024, it’s become easier to qualify and get approved faster. Transferring is now more possible for workers and employers.

What is a Project Visa Transfer in Kuwait?

A project visa transfer lets foreign workers change their employer or project in Kuwait. They can keep working in the country under a new sponsor or contract.

This is important for expats who want a better job or have issues with their current work. It also helps companies hire experienced staff already in Kuwait.

Eligibility Criteria for Project Visa Transfer

New rules have made it easier to qualify for project visa transfers. In the rule, as an employer, your applicants no longer need a minimum time. Also, in the employer’s field, you don’t have to match the existing visa type exactly.

As a result, you can more easily move between industries. However, your applicants still need a clean record & valid residency.

All in all, The recent changes make transferring a project visa more accessible. Just keep in mind, you have the proper legal papers to transfer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Project Visa in Kuwait

To transfer your project visa in Kuwait, you have to go through some process. Maybe it seems quite difficult, but I am here to make it easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: First, you must get a work permit from the manpower authority. & Where you will get the proper details about the job and your qualifications.

Step2: Next, you have to submit the required documents to the residency affairs department.

Step 3: After that the authority will check, they’ll transfer the visa for another project. By any chance if you get denied from them, You may need to exit and re-enter Kuwait.

Step 4: Lastly, ensure that your new contract follows local laws & you meet the eligibility rules. The whole thing can take up for 2-4 weeks typically.

Required Documents for Project Visa Transfer

To transfer your project visa, you’ll need to know what documents you have to send. Let’s check out these:

– Passport copy with a valid residency stamp
– Previously no objections letter from current sponsor
– Job contract/offer letter should be from a new employer
– Educational certificates for meet the new role
– Previous work experience letters
– Medical fitness report that approved govts center

Additional papers like salary proof, health insurance, or personal ID may also be needed sometimes. Have all paperwork ready to avoid delays.

Application Process for Project Visa Transfer

Let’s see how To apply for transferring your project visa? these steps:

First, go to the residency affairs office, reduce, and submit all the required documents. To do that You can hire an agent to help.
Next, they’ll check your application and any documents. Later, You may need to attend an interview.

If your application gets approved, you’ll get a visa transfer notification. At the same time your old visa will be canceled.

Lastly, You’ll need to exit Kuwait and re-enter on the new visa under the new employer’s sponsorship, simple.

Fees and Charges for Project Visa Transfer

To transfer a project visa in Kuwait need to pay some fees:

You’ll pay a transfer fee that is frequently around 50-100 KD.
Fees for medical tests, around 20 KD typically.
If you take an agent’s help for applications, there will be service fees(tips).
As a new employer, you may ask to pay costs like airfare for exit and re-entry.

It’s good to check all fees beforehand to plan your budget. So you can do a smooth transfer.

Rules for Visa Transfer to Another Sponsor

There are certain rules for transferring your visa to a new sponsor in Kuwait. The authorities have set these rules to ensure a proper process.

First, your current visa must be valid and have no legal issues. You cannot transfer a visa that is already canceled or has pending problems.

New Employer’s Role

New employer plays a major role. They must get a work permit from the manpower authorities before starting the transfer.

This work permit shows their plan to hire and sponsor you. The transfer cannot happen without it.

Also, the new job role should be reasonably related to your current profession, qualifications, and visa type. Authorities may reject transfers for very different roles.

Your new employment contract must follow Kuwait’s labor laws on salary, benefits, and other terms for that profession.

Getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current sponsor is important. This shows they have no objections to you transferring.

However, your current sponsor cannot demand any illegal fees for issuing the NOC.

Once all requirements are met, you can apply with documents like passport copies, education certificates, experience letters, and medical reports.

The full process generally takes 2-4 weeks from submitting complete documents to getting the new visa stamped.

More Job Flexibility for Expats in Kuwait

Kuwait has eased visa transfer rules to give expat workers more career mobility.

A key change – no more No-Objection Certificate is needed from your current employer.

You just provide 90 days’ notice before switching to a new sponsor. Because of the notice period you can get companies time to adjust. You will be wondering to know that they not block you indefinitely.

Job transfers are also allowed across broader professional fields, not just the same role. Interestingly, The minimum salary for a transfer has up to 450 Kuwaiti Dinars monthly.

Long-term residents of over 7 years are exempted from hefty transfer fees of 1,000 Dinars.

The most interesting thing is that relaxed visa rules give expats more flexibility to change jobs and pursue career growth. Also benefits companies too. Giving expats more freedom and choice in their work lives.

FAQs on Kuwait Project Visa Transfer

Which visa is transferable in Kuwait?

The project visa (work visa or 18 visa) can be transferred from one employer to another. A project visa allows non-resident workers to take up employment in Kuwait for the projects or contracts duration.

Can I change visa 20 to 18 in Kuwait?

No, it’s not possible to directly change from visa 20 (domestic worker) to 18 (project worker) in Kuwait. Since these are different visas, the visas have different types with separate rules.

Can I transfer my project visa to a different company?

Yes, if you meet the required conditions. Then you can transfer your project visa to a different companies.

How long does the project visa transfer process take?

The timeframe for transferring a project visa takes around 2-4 weeks from submitting all documents.

Are there any restrictions on job roles for project visa transfers?

Yes, there are some conditions regarding job roles when transferring a project visa:

Role similarity to existing profession/qualifications
Educational limits for certain professions
Regulatory approval for technical roles
Adherence to labor laws
Avoidance of unsuitable roles